BRIDGE OT
Building Respect, Independence, self-Determination, Goals, and Empowerment through Occupational Therapy
Pioneering Sensory-Informed Care
BRIDGE OT is currently the only sensory-informed Adaptive Skills Training Professional provider of its kind for teens and young adults in Greater Los Angeles.
carismonica@bridgeot.com
(310) 692-1844
What is BRIDGE OT?
BRIDGE OT, founded by Monica Caris, OTD, OTR/L, stands as a beacon of innovation for Adaptive Skills Training Professional services tailored for teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in the Greater Los Angeles Area. As the only sensory-informed Adaptive Skills Training Professional program of our kind in the region, BRIDGE OT is dedicated to bridging the service gap experienced by this demographic. Our evidence-based, strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach ensures that each client works towards achieving their goals in a supportive and collaborative environment. By fostering independence in daily activities, BRIDGE OT empowers clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and skill, embodying our commitment to enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Adaptive Skill Development
The development of adaptive skills is the cornerstone of BRIDGE OT; clients cultivate essential life skills for independence in the areas of personal care, time management, practical daily tasks, and much more.
Executive Functioning
Executive functioning skills including planning, organization, time management, attention, flexible thinking, emotional regulation, task initiation, and self-monitoring are essential for the development of adaptive skills. Executive functioning acts as the foundation that supports the growth and application of adaptive, independent living skills.
Meet Our Founder
• Monica Caris, OTD, OTR/L
• USC Chan Sensory Integration CE Certificate #3606
As the founder of BRIDGE OT, Monica brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for sensory-informed adaptive skill development, particularly in supporting teens and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Monica herself has both autism and ADHD, providing her with a unique perspective when working with this population. Her journey into this specialized field was significantly influenced by her experience at the University of Southern California, where she completed a Master of Arts degree and a clinical doctorate degree in occupational therapy. Monica also earned the USC Chan Sensory Integration Certificate in which she developed advanced knowledge of Sensory Processing Disorder and sensory-based interventions. Monica also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development.
Monica’s education and experience have provided her with not only advanced knowledge but also a profound understanding of the unique challenges and strengths associated with neurodiversity.
Driven by the realization that sensory-informed adaptive skills services were predominantly geared towards children, Monica saw an unmet need in the community, and she envisioned a new kind of adaptive skills training professional service that would bridge this gap. This led to the birth of BRIDGE OT, a program that stands out in the Greater Los Angeles Area for its commitment to being sensory-informed, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming.
At BRIDGE OT, Monica’s approach is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop skills that foster independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Skill Development
Building Essential Life Skills
Adaptive skill development is a key focus of BRIDGE OT services, aimed to enhance the
daily living capabilities of teens and adults with developmental
disabilities. We foster a supportive and empowering environment where
clients can develop and refine essential skills in the areas of self-care,
executive functioning, safety awareness, basic household tasks, and much more to meet their individual goals, contributing significantly to their journey towards
greater independence and self-reliance.
Social Skills